The Best of Lake Garda

Distance: 5.5 miles (9km) 

Total ascent: 1,180 feet (360m)

In summary: We’ll have the village of Torbole in our sights as we cruise to the northern shores of Lake Garda. Once we’re on dry land, a Roman road will lead us to hillside Nago and Parco delle Busatte before we reach the boulder-strewn Marocche, a lunar-like landscape that’s now a nature reserve.  

Metal walkways and steps allow us to cross deep gorges, including the aptly named Salto della Capra (Goat Leap). We’ll zig-zag our way back to the lakeside road where there’s a bus that can take us the short distance back to Torbole for a post-walk drink while we await the ferry.

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Total ascent: 1,575ft (480m)

In summary: The karst-laden landscape known as Marmitte dei Giganti (Giant Pots) is just as the name suggests – massive crevasses give way to pools, canyons, and caves that make for jaw-dropping walking. We’ll also take in the ruins of the 13th-century Castel Penede before we head to the Marocche, just like the option one walk.

Distance: 4 miles (6km)

Total ascent: 1,800 feet (550m)

In summary: We’ll walk the old Ponale Road, which winds its way from Riva del Garda via numerous small tunnels and a canyon to Ledro Valley. On the way, you’ll spot WWI fortifications and the Ponale waterfall before we stop to take it all in on a terrace high above Lake Garda. You’ll see all the way down to Torbole, Riva, and Malcesine, nestled beneath Monte Baldo.  

We’ll continue to the small mountain village of Biacesa where a coach will take us to Lake Ledro. You can choose between visiting the museum here, dedicated to the Bronze Age communities, or enjoying a wander around the pretty lake shore.  

Distance: 6 miles (10km) 

Total ascent: 2,500 feet (790m)

In summary: We’ll take the same route as option one, instead, we’ll continue to Lake Ledro on foot from Biacesa.

Distance: 3 miles (5km) 

Total ascent: 1100 feet (360m)

In summary: We’ll reach pretty Malcesine by boat from where we’ll board the panoramic cable car that’ll take us up Monte Baldo. It gently rotates as it climbs, too, giving you 360-degree views over the lake and surrounding mountains. 

Once we arrive at the top station, located 1,780m above sea level, we’ll set off along a winding mule track to a mountain refuge, which makes a great coffee stop thanks to far-reaching views down to the lake. Wooded tracks then lead us back to the station to catch the cable car back down to Malcesine. Stroll the town’s streets and sip a coffee by the lake before we return by boat to Limone. 

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km) 

Total ascent: 1,700 feet (520m) 

In summary: Like option one, we’ll take the cable car to the top of Monte Baldo before setting off on a circular loop along the Ventrar path, which rewards with wow-worthy views over the Alto Gara region. 

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km) 

Total ascent: 490 feet (150m)

Total Descent: 1,300 feet (400m)

In summary: A coach will take us to the Ballino Pass from where we’ll begin our hike along ancient mule tracks. Our first stop will be Lake Tenno with its crystalline waters, then Canale, a picturesque medieval village that’s listed as one of Italy’s most beautiful. We’ll wind up the walk at Tenno Castle where the coach will take us back. 

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Total ascent: 1,650 feet (500m)

In summary: We’ll begin at Lake Tenno, heading up to the village of Canale. Following a steep forest path we’ll reach Rifugio San Pietro, situated in the midst of a meadow with views over upper Garda. We’ll head back down to Tenno to join the rest of the group. 

Distance: 6 miles (10km) 

Total ascent: 600 feet (180m) 

Total descent: 1,350 feet (410m)

In summary: Once we reach the Val di Bondo nature reserve, created when a glacial lake dried up, we’ll begin walking to the village of Vesio, where we’ll take a break with views down to Brasa valley. We’ll descend to Pieve through delightful countryside and picturesque hamlets to finish the week enjoying fantastic views with our refreshments. 

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)

Total ascent: 1,450 feet (440m)

Total descent: 1,950 feet (590m)

In summary: From Voltino we’ll walk through the pedestrianised old village before heading uphill to the highest viewpoint of the week, Monte Bestone. From here, you’ll be able to admire upper Lake Garda in all its splendour. We’ll then head to Pieve where we’ll meet up with the rest of the group for a celebratory drink.